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13 January 2017

Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen (Book Beginnings & Friday 56)

The first of Jane Austen's books to be published, Sense and Sensibility is primarily a tale of two sisters, their love and loves.

Elinor is 19 years old. (Hear that, Emma Thompson? 19 years old.You really shouldn't have played the role at 36. I don't care how many nominations and awards the movie got. SHE'S 19!) She is quite serious and is more concerned about doing for others than she is for herself. Marianne is 16 at the onset of the actual story (you know, once we get past the basic prologue of so-and-so dying and leaving such-and-such to whomever). She is pretty much the anti-Elinor, letting her emotions go wild and not caring about appearances or consequences as long as there's some sort of passion and drama. (There's a younger sister, as well, but she's more or less just there for show.)

I first read this at some point in middle school thanks to it being on my mom's shelves and my insistence on reading everything I could get my hands on. Did I "get it"? Not likely. I have, of course, since seen at least two filmed adaptations. I prefer the 2008 BBC mini-series. Hattie Morahan was a much more convincing 19 even though she was 29 at the time of filming ... and it also has Mark Williams and David Morrissey and Mark Freaking Gatiss and at least two others who have been on Doctor Who (or The Sarah Jane Adventures) at one point or another. Heck, the 2008 Marianne was on the most recent Christmas special which just makes me want to hop on Hulu to watch S&S again ....... as soon as I've finished reading the book.

It's not a fast read, of course. I don't recall ever flying through a full-length Jane Austen in a day like I do with so many cozies. Of course, we are still talking about books I originally read almost 30 years ago. It's worth taking my time with, though. The words are there to savor -- not just to read.

I agree, it is a shame sometimes when an actor of note gets to play a character to which they are unsuited for whatever reason, simply because they are an 'actor of note'. I've not read much Austen before (oops! can I admit that here? *lol*), but am considering doing an Austenesque reading challenge this year.

I like all Austen's novels. As for the movies, man actor/ess are older than the part they play. Most those playing teenagers are never teenagers but in their 20's...lol. Though I am sure they could have found a 20 something instead of 30 something to play her. :)